Body jack



Aug. 20, 1940. e. M. 'WALRAVEN BODY JACK Filed Aug. 13, 1938 2 Sheets-Sheet l V I 4/ 4850 9/ T70 INVENTOR I GEORGE M. WAAVEN. I

M47 (I v 3 ATTORNEY.

2 Sheets-Sheet 2 BODY JACK G. M. WALRAVEN Filed Aug. 13, 1938 Aug. 20, 1940.

Patented Aug. 20, 1940 BODY JACK George M. Walraven, Kenosha, Wis., assignor to Snap-On Tools Corporation, Kenosha, Wis., a corporation of Delaware Application August 13,

6 Claims.

This invention relates to mechanical jacks and more particularly to automobile body jacks, although certain features thereof may be employed with equal advantage for other purposes.

It contemplates more especially the provision of an improved mechanical jack that is simple and compact in construction, provides for ratcheting actuation thereof and operation with minimum wear and effort in the effecting thereof.

10 One object of the present invention is to simplify theconstruction and improve the operation.

of devices of the character mentioned. I Another object is to provide an improved mechanical jack of simple and compact construction that will operate with minimum wear and effort "in the use thereof.

Still another object is to provide an improved body jack that is of durable and rugged construction to operate with minimum wear andv efiort.

A further object is to. provide a simple and improved mechanical jack that is capable of sustaining ratchets without any appreciable wear on the acting elements. 1

A still further object is to provide improved ratcheting devices in conjunction. with. .a mechanical jack. I a

Still a further object is to.provide an improved ratcheting actuator for amechanical jack that has frictional means to provide ratcheting operation. Other objects and advantages will appear from 1 the following description of an illustrative embodiment of the present invention.

In the drawings: i Figure 1 is a sectional view of a' ratchet actuator for a mechanical jack taken substantially 1 along line I-I of Figure 2. U V i Figure 2 is a plan view of a body jack embodying features of the present invention. 40

able member utilizable in conjunction with the jack shown in Figure 2. I

Figure 4 is a sectional View taken substantially along line IV-IV of Figure 2.

Figure 5 is a fragmentary sectional view of an adaptor capable of use in conjunction with the jack extremities shown in Figure 2 that is substituted for the heads thereinshown. I

Figure 6 is a front view in elevation of a sham 50 for receiving different types of heads for detachable association with the ends of the jack shown in Figure 2.

55 in Figure 2. 1 I

for eflicient Figure 3 is a side View in elevation of a detach- 1938, Serial No. 224,835

Figure 8 is a perspective view of an actuator ratchet shown in conjunction with its pawl constituting a part of the ratcheting device utilized in connection with the mechanical jack shown in Figures 1 and 2.

Figure 9 is a fragmentary sectional view taken substantially along line IX-IX of Figure 1.

Figure 10 is a sectional View taken substantially along line X--X of Figure 9.

Figure 11 is a sectional view taken substantially along line XI-XI of Figure 9.

Figure 12 is a sectional view taken substantially along line XII-XII of Figure 9.

Figure 13 is a sectional view taken substantially along lineXlII-XIII of Figure 9.

Figure 14 is'a quarter section view in elevation of the end bumper head shown in Figure 2.

Figure 15 is a sectional View taken substantially along line XV-XV of Figure 14.

The structure selected for illustration comprises anelongated tubular cylindrical member I llv that telescopically receives a screw member I I that isfreely disposed therein and hasan external diameter somewhat smaller than that of the external diameter of the tubular sleeve II] to permit longitudinal movement without any lateral play a or displacement. Consequently, the screw member l I will be freely displaceable within the tubular sleeve I0 which precludes any lateral movement therebetween to serve as a guide therefor. The tubular sleeve 10 has an open extremity l2 to externally receive a correspondingly shaped shank l3 having spring impelled detents Hand l5 mounted radially therein. The shank l3 has a flanged periphery l6 which engages the open extremity I2 of the tubular sleeve l0, and an exa tension IT projects therefrom to receive any suitable type of end bumper l8 (Figures 2 and 14). In order to preclude accidental removal between the bumper head l8 and the shank ll, the latter is provided with radially disposed spring impelled detents l9 and that correspond in .construction and mounting with the detents I4--|5. To this. end, the bumper'head I8 is of resilient material such as ebonite which is molded or otherwise shaped around a metallic base 2| terminating in a shank 22 having a polygonal bore 23 therein. The polygonal bore 23 may be providedwith suitable depressions 24 which cooperatewith the spring impelled detents l9,-20

to retain the head I8 with its polygonal bore 23 .in closely threaded connection with the correspondingly shaped and complemental polygonal shank extension II.

This provides for the connection of any suitable for detachable association with the open end l2 of the" tubular sleeve.

type of end bumper I8 to one end of the sleeve through the medium of an adaptor shank l3 having vertical extension l'l formed thereon and suitably fitted with spring impelled detents |4| 5 and |920. Should it be desired to provide any other type of end connected instrumentalities such as a hook 26 to the open end l2 of the sleeve I6, the latter may be provided with an integral shank 21 that fits into one end |2 of the tubular sleeve It or an adaptor may be interposed therebetween of suitable design to effect a detachable connection so as to avoid accidental separation therebetween.

A peripheral flange 28 may be formed intermediate the hook 26 and shank 21 and provioled with a radial aperture 29 so as to afford the attachment of a spanner wrench thereto for establishing a detachable connection between the shank 21 and the tubular sleeve end |2. For

, that matter, adaptors may be interposed between the shank extension H and any other type of bumper head; One form may consist of a tubular member 36 (Figure 5) having depressions 3| formed in an internal polygonal bore 32 for detachable connection to the shank extension yhaving complemental detents |9-'26 that coprovided with more spring impelled detents 34 and 35.

, Another type of adaptor is shown in Figure? wherein the tubular base portion 36 terminates in a spherical shank 31 having spring impelled detents 38 and 39 extending therefrom. A depression 46 may be formed in the tubular base 36 to cooperate with any types of detents |9-26 depending upon the type and configuration of the shank of any bumper end that may be available Various other types of bumper heads may be used depending upon the requirements of any particular work or which maybe differed within a wide range in connection with the body'jack utilized to sustain indentations and. irregularities resulting through accident and impact.

The other end of the nates in a cylindrical reinforcing body 4| that I has an axial bore 42 formed therein for a partial sleeve |6. A knurled handle rod 44 maybe connected to the reinforcing sleeve body 4|through the medium of its flanged extremity 45 that, engages correspondingly threaded aperture 46 provided radially through the sleeve body 4| to receive its axial bore 4-2. Consequently, the knurled rod 44 can be switched to the aperture 46 so that its extremity 41 will 'frictionally engage the sleeve '16 to effect tight connection betweenthe tubular sleeve l6 and its reinforcing body 4| so as to constitute a single element. I

the aperture 49 on "the reinforcing body .4| so Another set screw 48 may be threaded through as to engage the sleeve I6 (Figures 9 and 11) so i as to'cooperate with the rod handle 44 in effecting a fixed connection between the sleeve l6 and its reinforcing body 4|. Another set screw 56 is in threaded engagement 1 with correspondingly groove 53 stamped or otherwise formed along the .length--;of. the screwvmember soas. to; preclude tubular sleeve I0 termirelative rotation thereof with the sleeve ID that are, however, axially displaceable relative to each other.

As shown, the screw member I terminates in a cylindrical extremity 54 that is preferably provided with spring impelled detents 55 and 56 to detachably receive the adaptor body 36 (Figures 2 and 5) or any other type to which can be connected the other end bumper 51. In order to displace the tubular sleeve l0 and screw member inwardly or outwardly relative to each other, an improved ratcheting device 58 is provided. Theratcheting device 58 comprises a cast, forged or otherwise shaped body 66 which is suitably recessed to define a circular chamber 6| open on one side for the receptionof a revoluble member 62. The revoluble member 62 is retained for journalled rotation within the chamber 6| of the body l6 .by means of a face plate 63 which conforms in contour with the chamber 6| for attachment to the body by means of suitable fasteners 64.

The fasteners 64, in this instance four, extend through the face plaee 63 for engagement with the body 66. The confronting external surfaces of the chamber 6| defined by the body 66 and the face plate 63 are apertured to provide axially aligned bores and 66, respectively, in communication with the interior chamber 6| thereof.

As shown, the bore 65 is provided with a hard-.

ened bearing insert 6! that is pressed therein from the interior of the chamber 6| so that the enlarged peripheral rim 68 thereon will abut against the correspondingly shaped peripheral shoulder 69 provided in the body 66 adjacent andin communication with the bore 65'. The bearing insert 61 is of a high quality alloy steel that is hardened, to sustain unusually heavy loads for extended periods without appreciable wear thereon. The plate 63 is also of a high quality alloy steel that is hardened to correspond in durability with the hardened insert 61 so that its bore |6 will assist in conjuction with the hardened insert 61 in rotatively supporting the revoluble member 62 having axially extending hubs 69 and I0 journalled thereon.

In order toimpart rotation to the revoluble member 62 responsive to oscillatory movement of the body 66, the periphery thereof is provided with radially extending ratchet teeth cut or otherwise formed for extension therefrom. As

- shown, a circular recess 12 is provided in the body 66 to communicate with the chamber 6|, it being in longitudinal alignment therewith to receive a correspondingly shaped circular pawl 13, journalled for'rotation therein with the periphery thereof partially disposed in thechamber 6|.

To this end, the pawl 73 has integral axialaligned hubs l4 and 15 received in correspondingly shaped bores 16 and 11 provided in the body 60 and closure plate 63.

A lever 18 having a polygonal stem 'IQ is dispo'sed .forreceptio-n in a somewhat larger and correspondingly shaped polygonal recess provided .axially within the pawl hub 14 to establish fixed connection therewith by means of a threaded stud 86,: constitutes a manual rotary adjustment for the pawl 13. To enable ratcheting of the revoluble member :62 in opposed directions by rotary adjustment of the lever 18 to its ,outor in positions designated on the body 66, the pawl 13 has the periphery thereof interrupted to define confronting pawl teeth 8| and82.

The pawl teeth 8| and B2 are complemental to the ratchet teeth H for independent'meshing;

engagement therewith depending upon the rotary position of the pawl I3 which is adjusted by the lever I8 to control the directional rotation of the revoluble member or ratchet wheel 62.

The pawl teeth 8| and 82 are suificiently spaced so that one or the other will be in operative engagement with a ratchet tooth H to enable the desired rotary throw of the head 69 for ratcheting purposes without interference with the inactive pawl tooth. During the ratcheting action,

.the pawl 73 partially rotates about its axis until the next successive ratchet tooth II is engaged by the active pawl tooth 8| or 82 depending upon the direction of the ratcheting action.

It will be observed that this construction provides hardened bearings 66 and 61 for the revoluble member 62 and that the pawl 13 is supported by the axial hubs I4 and 15 on both sides thereof with the plate 63 providing a hardened bearing therefor to sustain a load thereon.

To maintain the pawl I3 stationary and in adjusted positions for the desired directional ratcheting, a positioning ball or detent 83 is resiliently mounted on a spring 84 confined in a passage 85 provided longitudinally in the body 69 for radial communication with the pawl receiving recess 12. The spring 84 urges the positioning ball 83 in the direction of the pawl I3 for engagement with the periphery thereof. To this end, the periphery of the pawl 13 is provided with conical cavities 86 and 8'! for reception of the resiliently mounted positioning ball or detent. 83. The cavities 86 and 81 are spaced for selective registry with the detent 83 to hold the pawl teeth 8| and 82, re-

spectively, in meshingengagement with the teeth 'II of the revoluble member 62, thereby enabling its rotation in a counterclockwise and clockwise direction (viewed from Figure responsive to ratcheting or oscillating a handle 88.

The handle 88 is, in this instance, formed integral with the body 69. With the arrangement of parts above described, any suitable device for turning may be detachably or otherwise associated with the revoluble member 62; however, in this instance therevoluble member 62 is provided with an axial bore 89 that has square threads 99 cut therein to serve as a complement of and mesh with threads on the elongated member II so that rotation of the revoluble member 62 in one direction will respectively effect the outer and inner relative displacement between the members |9-|I corresponding with the positioning of the pawl lever 18 in its out or in position (Figure 1) It will be observed that the body 69 has a lateral peripheral-flange 9| formed thereon to telescopically receive the tubular sleeve body 4| therein; To effect their connection and permit relative rotation between the ratcheting body flange 9| and the tubular sleeve body 4|, an

" annular groove 92 is formed proximate to the extremity of the tubular sleeve body 4| so as to cooperate with the reduced extremities 93 and .94 of set screws 95 and 96, respectively, which tively small opening 91 is preferably provided in the end of the ratcheting body 69 for communication with the chamber 6| for lubrication purposes. In order to preclude relative rotation between the tubular sleeve I9 and the screw member while the ratcheting device is being oscillated to procure another bite on the pawl 'II of the revoluble member 62, a friction shoe IN is reciprocally mounted in a radial opening I92 formed on a radial member 62. v

The friction shoe I9I has a reduced portion the initial movement thereof. The radial bore I92 is correspondingly shaped and communicates with the interior of the revoluble member 62 so' that the friction shoe end surface I95 will contact with the threads of the screw member II. A split ring I96 embraces an annular groove I9'I that is formed on the exterior surface of the friction shoe ml for lodgement in a correspondingly shaped groove I98 formed on the interior of the revoluble extension member I93.

Consequently, the split ring I96 serves as a extension I93 of the revoluble 20 'I94 which presents a shoulder thereon to limit resilient spring that urges and retains the friction shoe MI in contact with the screw member II to preclude any idling relative movement therebetween. This enables the ratcheting displacement of the screw member II relative to the tubular sleeve I9 even though no urge is.

spread thereon. Otherwise there would be a' tendency of the screw member oscillating with the revoluble member 62 which reduces their 00- acting and retards the efiicient operation of the devices prior to aotuallyconstituting a ratchet. s It will be observed, therefore, that the relative rotation between the revoluble member 62 and the tubular sleeve body 4|, is rendered possible with minimum wear and frictional reaction in spite of heavy loadings that may be exerted on the confronting surfaces thereof.

With the arrangement of parts above described, it should be noted that the ball bearing raceway 98 rests on the hardened bearing insert 61 that is pressed therein so that it will withstands heavy loads with minimum wear thereon. Should wear result after extended use then it will only be necessary to replace the bearing insert 61 for the ratchet device will practically be in its original mechanical condition by the provision of lubrication expedients and the bearing inserts and runways that sustain a load and participate in the movement between the relatively rotating parts. This accounts for the improved results and more eflicient operation and an improved mechanical' body jack that is compact as well as simple in construction.

Various changes may be made in the embodiment of the invention herein specifically described without departing from the invention or sacrificing any of the advantages thereof, and nothing herein shall be construed as limitations of the invention, its structural concept or embodiment as to the whole or any part thereof except as defined in the appended claims.

I claim :I

1. In a portable mechanical jack, the combination with an elongated tubular sleeve, of an enlarged cylindrical body member telescopically associated with said tubular sleeve, a screw member telescopically associated with said sleeve and cylindrical body member for displacement relative-thereto there being a concentric annular counter-groove in said body member, a revoluble ratchet wheel in screw meshing engagement with said screw member, a handle member having a swivel connection with said cylindrical .body member, a reversible pawl carried by said handle memberfor engagement with said ratchet wheel, a ball bearing raceway confined in said annular counter-groove between said ratchet wheel and said cylindrical body, means for reversing the position of said pawl, and means for frictionally holding said ratchet wheel against displacement relative to said screw member unless responsive to pawl engagement with said ratchet wheel.

2. In a portable mechanical jack, the combination with an elongated tubular sleeve constitutingthefixed end thereof, of an enlarged cylindrical body member fixed over the end of said tubular sleeve, a screw member telescopically associated with said sleeve and body member for displacement relative thereto, a revoluble ratchet wheel in screw meshing engagement with said screw member and resting against said body member, a handle member having a swivel con nection with said body member, a ball bearing raceway interposed between said ratchet wheel and said body member to sustain the load and permit free turning therebetween, a reversible pawl carried by said handle member for engagement with said ratchet wheel, means for reversing the position of said pawl, there being a longitudinal'slot that interrupts the surface of said screw member, means extending from said body member into said longitudinal slot to prevent relative rotation between said sleeve and body member and screw member, and means interposed between said ratchet wheel and screw memberv for frictionally holding said ratchet wheel against displacement relative to said screw member unless responsive to pawl engagement with said ratchet wheel.

wheel in screw meshing engagement with said screw ,member and resting against said body member, ahandle member having a swivel connection with said body member, a ball bearing raceway interposed between said ratchet wheel and body member to sustain the load and permit free turning therebetween, a reversible pawl car- ,ried by said handle member for engagement with said ratchet wheel, there being a longitudinal slot that interrupts the surface of said screw member, means extending from said body member into said longitudinal slot to prevent relative rotation between said sleeve and body memratchet wheel in screw meshing engagement with said screw member, a handle member having a swivel connection with said tubular sleeve, a ball bearing raceway interposed between said ratchet wheel and tubular sleeve to sustain the load and permit free turning therebetween, a reversible pawl carried by said handle member for engagement with said ratchet wheel, a shoe reciprocally mounted in said revoluble ratchet wheel, and split ring means embracing said revoluble ratchet wheel in the path of said shoe for frictionally holding said ratchet wheel against displacement relative to said screw member unless responsive to pawl engagement with said ratchet wheel.

5. In a portable mechanical jack, the combination with an elongated tubular sleeve, of a" screw member telescopically associated with said sleeve for displacement relative thereto, a revoluble ratchet wheel in screw meshing engagement with said screw member, a handle member hav ing a swivel connection with said tubular sleeve," a ball bearing raceway interposed between said ratchet wheel and sleeve to sustain the load and permit free turning therebetween, a reversible pawl carried by said handle member for engagement with said ratchet wheel, a shoe reciprocal- 1y mounted in said revoluble ratchet wheel, split ring means embracingsaid revoluble ratchet wheel in the path of said shoe for frictionally holding said ratchet wheel against displacement relative to said screw member unless responsive to pawl engagement with said ratchet wheel, and means extending from the ends of said tubular sleeve and screw member for engaging spaced parts to be spread or drawn toward each other.

6. In a portable mechanical jack,'the combina tion with an elongated tubular sleeve, of a screw member telescopically associated with said sleeve for displacement relative thereto, a revoluble ratchet wheel in screw meshing engagement with said screw member, a handle member having a f swivel connection with said tubular sleeve, a ball bearing raceway interposed between said ratchet wheel and tubular sleeve to sustain the load and permit free turning therebetween, a reversible pawl carried by said handle member for en gagement with said ratchet wheel, a shoe reciprocally mountedin'said revoluble ratchet wheel, springing means embracing said revoluble ratchet wheel in the path of said shoe for frictionally holding said ratchet wheel against displacement relative to said screw member unless responsive to pawl engagement with sa'd ratchet wheel, and means interposed betwee said tubular sleeve and screw member to predlude relative rotation and permit longitudinal displace- 

